New roads needed to start construction of a new nuclear submarine yard are starting to take shape at Osborne in Adelaide, South Australia.
The road works will prepare the Lefevre Peninsula to become the home of the country’s AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine building program.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King describes the northern peninsula as “a significant economic growth area” for South Australia with defence industry expanding at Osborne.
“Once complete, the project will improve traffic efficiency for heavy vehicles and passenger traffic,” she says.
NEW ROADS
- realigning and upgrading the Victoria and Pelican Point roads junction;
- upgrades to the Victoria and Veitch roads junction;
- better bike access, footpaths and new landscaping;
- new LED road lighting, line marking and drainage.
Her state counterpart, Joe Szakacs, says that more than $30 billion is due to be spent on Osborne in coming decades that will see the “Lefevre Peninsula precinct undergo rapid change”.
“The precinct also hosts Adelaide’s container terminal, Viterra grain terminal and cruise ship terminal, along with multiple energy assets, so upgrades to local roads and infrastructure are crucial to handle the extra traffic, keep freight moving and make travel safer for everyone,” he explains.
Federal MP for Hindmarsh Mark Butler says “the Lefevre Peninsula continues to grow”.
“We’re upgrading this critical road network to make sure it continues to operate safely and efficiently,” he says.
State MP for Port Adelaide Cheyne Rich says that as a Taperoo resident, she uses Victoria Road daily.
“One of the first things I did after being elected was take Szakacs on a tour around my community so he could see the transport and infrastructure needs firsthand,” she says.
“There’s more to do but the community on the peninsula can see the work under way, and the future transport study, as an assurance that we’re taking their concerns seriously.”
WORKS UNDER WAY
Night works now under way at the Victoria and Pelican Point roads junction include establishing a site, levelling the ground and clearing vegetation; the work is expected to last for two weeks with light towers in place as crews work from 7.30pm-6am .
Soil preloading earthworks have also begun that will prepare the soft soil for major construction by compressing ground layers until they are firm enough to hold approach roads.
The works is being done in close co-ordination with SA Water’s works nearby, the federal government says.
Equally funded by the federal and South Australian governments, the $100m project is to ensure the future growth of passenger, freight and defence industry traffic.
Major construction on the peninsula upgrades is expected to start early next year and create 200 jobs per year for the life of the project.
The two governments will also spend $15m over two years in their 2026-27 Budgets on a planning study and business case identifying future transport work needed to cater for greater demand.
The SA Government also intends to create its first dedicated State Development Area (SDA) at Osborne to centralise co-ordination, planning and implementation of infrastructure projects.
For more information about the peninsula upgrades, visit https://dit.sa.gov.au/infrastructure/projects/lefevre-peninsula-upgrades-project.
RELATED STORIES:
